And this is a problem because…?

It’s hard to argue against anything that helps independent artists reach a broader audience.  And if Congress is dangling money for anything arts-related, the best advice is to say yes and take it.

Which brings us to the “Making United States Independents Competitive Act,” or “MUSIC Act” for short, which largely focuses on picking up the tab for sending indie bands to overseas music trade shows like MIDEM (in the South of France).  That’s right, trade shows, with the expressed purpose of increasing sales of recordings.

Whatever, let’s pass this thing fast.  Page 2 of the draft bill, sponsored by New York Democrat Jerrold Nadler, spells it out.

The strategy is a bit interesting.  Most regard the trade floors at Midem – and other international music trade shows – to bebasically useless at this point.  In fact, many of the execs we’ve talked to at the event never set foot on the trade floor, though there may be other opportunities to reach executives and potential label partners, distributors, radio outlets, and producers at the broader event.

Indeed, the networking is what’s really keeping MIDEM alive and relevant these days.  And, the reason why lots of Americans still make the extravagant trek.

Back in the old days, you didn’t need as much justification: MIDEM and shows like it were critical marketplaces for cross-border selling, discovery and licensing.  Fast-forward to the present, and most of that in-person exchange has been replaced by the internet.  It’s mostly obvious, but you don’t have to get on a thirteen hour flight anymore unless the deal is really, really important.

Actually, money has already been spent on a number of overseas meetings for independents, including those in the South of France and various Asian countries.  A major player in this whole process is A2IM, which has somehow figured out a way to get the US Government to support music export.  That’s an accomplishment by any standard.

This is a proposed amount of roughly $1 million per year, modest by Washington standards.  The funds will be available to indies with less than $50 million in annual revenues, and less than one percent total marketshare.

A copy of the draft legislation is here. [DigitalMusicNews]